Cat Osterman

Cat Osterman yesterday recorded only the second no-hitter by an American in Olympic softball history, propelling the gold-medal favorite U.S. team to another convincing win in Beijing.

The performance came at an important time for Osterman and her teammates, as softball won't be included at the 2012 London Games. Fortunately for Osterman, her two largest endorsement contracts — with Wilson Sporting Goods and Under Armour — don’t expire until 2011.

Currently, most of Osterman’s endorsements are softball specific. But Osterman’s agent, Ken Turkel, said that depending on the outcome of Osterman and Team USA’s performance in Beijing, other sponsorship categories such as energy drinks and watches may fall into play.

While Osterman admits she isn’t necessarily a fashion maven, she is featured in the current issue of Elle Girl Magazine and is open to other sponsorship opportunities.

“I would definitely consider any type of deals," Osterman said. "If Coach purses offered any type of deal, I would take that in a heartbeat because I have about 10 of them!”

Turkel said of Osterman, “I’ve always said she’s somewhat of a Maryanne to Jennie Finch’s Ginger. She has a vibe that’s maybe a little more edgy. For example, we go with Under Armour because they have that edgier, maybe a little more fresh, marketing and it fits Cat’s image very well.”

The chart below lists all of Osterman’s endorsement deals. 

Turkel, who has repped Osterman since the pitcher graduated from the University of Texas in 2006, said Osterman and fellow female Olympians rely heavily on endorsements as a source of income while they train and prepare for the Games.

“They don’t get paid a ton of money to go play softball," Turkel said. "Their ability to capitalize on their talent and success comes from endorsements and sponsorships, and I think that runs true for all Olympic athletes. I just think it’s a little more prevalent on the women’s side because the opportunities are more limited.”

And with softball being eliminated from the Olympics program, many are left to speculate about what will happen to softball players’ sponsorships. However, Turkel is confident in the support Osterman’s sponsors have for softball.

“Under Armour has made a strong commitment to women’s sports, softball in particular," he said. "Their commitment is to authenticity in these sports. I don’t think it's going to have this horrible impact on the market and sponsorships like some people think. But I do think it has created uncertainty.”